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A client told me today her husband has been using formaldehyde to treat his hyperhidrosis for many years. Their local pharmacies have now stopped selling it.

What alternative treatments would you suggest?

For anyone in Melbourne , Aust, are you aware of any pharmacies that still stock formaldehyde?


The client's husband is not my client, it just came up in conversation. I have however advised formaldehyde tx to some clients in the past.

 

As far as I know formaldehyde is considered a tad toxic, even carcinogenic, so I would not be advocating it myself. (Pity really, beause is does work a treat). Even good old potassium permanganate - which has been a brilliant remedy for pitted keratolysis - is no longer available due to its potential toxicity.

There are a number of proprietary treatments for hyperhidrosis which are available, but I have not encountered any trials/research to discuss efficacy.

cheers,

Felicity

 

Something that I find useful for hyperhidrosis is
1.Soak feet in mild water and epsom salt.
2.Dry the puppies thoroughly
3.Apply a little antiperspirant to the soles.
This is a safe,nontoxic,cost efficient way to solve this problem.(By the way do NOT have the patient apply baby powder as the powder will cake up.)

 

Hi guys,
Thanks for your help - yes I had heard that this was toxic as well - I just remembered this being mentioned back when I was at uni, I'm not sure if any chemists still stock it either - I wanted to get some advice on whether it was still used before I rang around, but if I find out I'll let you know.

Thanks John, that made me smile. Too bad it's way past that - you can see sweat beading on his palms within minutes in a very normal temp room. Driclor I usually find is enough, but it hasn't been for him, poor thing.

I see some great posts about electrical stimulation and surgery - has anyone heard of this being used in Aus? This guy was recently homeless and will never afford private rates, or medical insurance, so that complicates things a little.

 

Iontophoresis research: Hope this is of some use.

Regards, Mandy.

 

Formaldahyde is certainly toxic, producing both dermatological and respiratory issues. We stopped using it in the anatomy labs perhaps 10-15 years ago (apart from as a 1 part in 1 *10^6). As a new practitioner in 1975 we used to have "DX insoles" which were "texon" (anyone old enough to remember it apart from me?) - impregnated with a formaldahyde compound which released its gas slowly - they were crude but they worked. Rob